The 'Deutsche Grammophon 125th Anniversary Special Gala Concert' was held at Suntory Hall on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Appearing on the Japanese stage as conductor for the first time in almost 30 years at this concert was legendary composer/conductor John Williams, who has been a front-runner in Hollywood film music for over 50 years, winning five Academy Awards, 25 Grammy® Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and other brilliant awards.
Performed by the Saito Kinen Orchestra, one of Japan's proudest world-class orchestras, which plays a central role in the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival along with its general director, conductor Seiji Ozawa.
Also conducting in the first half of the program was Stephane Deneve, world-renowned conductor and longtime friend of John Williams, who is Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of the New World Symphony Orchestra, and will also become Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in 2023.
This 2LP set (heavyweight vinyl) includes 11 tracks, including "Superman March" from the movie Superman, and music from Harry Potter and Star Wars, the latter half of which John Williams himself performed under the baton, and the encore performance of "Raiders March" from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as the world premiere bonus track "Tributes! (for Seiji)" as a bonus track, for a total of 12 songs.
Features
• Limited Edition
• Double LP
• 180g Vinyl
• World Premiere Bonus Track
• Japanese Import
• Recording: September 5, 2023, Suntory Hall
• Gatefold Jacket
Musicians
Saito Kinen Orchestra
John Williams - conductor
Stéphane Denève - "Tributes! (For Seiji)" conductor
Selections
John Williams (b.1932)
LP 1
SIDE A:
1. Superman March from Superman
2. Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
3. Fawkes the Phoenix from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
SIDE B:
1. Harry's Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2. Theme from Schindler's List (with Yasushi Toyoshima, violin)
3. The Rebellion Is Reborn from Star Wars: The Last Jedi
LP 2
SIDE C:
1. Princess Leia's Theme from Star Wars: A New Hope
2. Throne & Finale from Star Wars Episode: A New Hope
3. Yoda's Theme from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
SIDE D:
1. Raiders March from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. The Imperial March from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
3. Tributes! (For Seiji)